Iranian Foreign Ministry Claims Working on Exiled Singer Moein’s Return

An Iranian Foreign Ministry official has sparked speculation about the possible return of renowned exiled singer Nasrollah Moein Najafabadi to the country.

The US-based singer, better known by his stage name Moein, fled Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, along with many other Iranian pop singers who feared potential bans on their artistic activities. 

In an interview with Khorasan newspaper on February 29, Abdallah Sohrabi, director-general of the ministry’s High Council of Iranians Affairs Abroad, hinted at "promising news" regarding Moein's return. 

Sohrabi stated that the ministry is "preparing and planning" for his return in collaboration with various agencies.

"A committee formed by the Attorney-General's Office, Police Intelligence, IRGC Intelligence, and Ministry of Intelligence is currently overseeing inquiries into the situation of Iranians abroad, including Moein," the official said. 

While the ministry emphasizes its efforts to facilitate the return of Moein and others, the precedent of singer Habib Mohebian is a cause for concern. 

Mohebian returned in 2009 but faced significant restrictions on his artistic activities.

In addition, Sohrabi’s comments come as many artists in Iran are subject to repression for criticizing the Islamic Republic.

Singers Mehdi Yarrahi and Toomaj Salehi are languishing in prison after they voiced support for the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising.